NJ cannabis advocate Michael Brennan wrote a letter to Heady NJ supporting the legislative bill A 1291 to strengthen cannabis product testing to protect patients.

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana–New Jersey (CMMNJ) supports Assembly Bill A1291, legislation designed to strengthen laboratory testing standards for both medical and adult-use cannabis products in New Jersey.

A1291 establishes stronger safeguards for product testing, including validated analytical methods, ISO/IEC 17025 proficiency testing, independent audits, whistleblower protections, and civil penalties for fraudulent testing practices.

ISO/IEC 17025 proficiency testing ensures that laboratories consistently deliver accurate and reliable results through structured inter-laboratory testing and evaluation processes that verify laboratory competence and the validity of testing methods. These safeguards are critical for preventing contamination risks, potency inflation, and other deceptive testing practices that can undermine patient safety.

As a medical cannabis patient and Board Member of CMMNJ, I support A1291 because stronger laboratory standards help ensure patients can trust the safety, consistency, and reliability of the products they rely on. Medical cannabis patients depend on accurate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to make informed decisions about their care.

Strengthening laboratory oversight also supports the regulatory mission of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission by ensuring that the state’s cannabis market operates with transparent, scientifically validated testing standards that patients and consumers can trust.

CMMNJ urges legislators to ensure that improved testing standards are implemented in ways that preserve patient affordability, maintain continuity of supply during recalls, and provide transparent access to laboratory results.

Patient safety and patient access must advance together.

By Michael Brennan, Coalition for Medical Marijuana–New Jersey (CMMNJ) Board Member